The hot, dry air, in Spock's room was getting to be uncomfortable. McCoy was starting to sweat because of it. Not being sure if it was the heat, or the utter anxiety he was feeling. Was Spock alive? What had happened to him, that would cause him to collapse?

McCoy cursed to himself for not bringing his medical tricorder with him. But, instead he examined Spock the old fashion way, by checking his pulse. It was there, but beating much quicker than it was normal for the Vulcan/Human hybrid.

McCoy's thoughts were interrupted by the man next to him.

"Bones, for god's sake, will you tell me if he's alive or not?" Kirk replied in a blind panic.

"Sorry, Jim. Yes, he's alive. I forgot my tricorder, but I took his pulse. It's a bit fast, almost like yours was."

"There's a big difference here, doctor. I am alive while he's not moving one damn bit." Kirk's anger rose.

"Look, Jim. I can't make a proper diagnosis, without my tricorder. He needs to be taken to sickbay. I'll call someone up with a gurney."

"Don't bother, I'll take him." Jim replied as he bent down to carry his friend.

"Jim, are you sure. It's a ways to sickbay. And you weren't feeling all that great a moment ago, what if it comes back?"

"I'm fine, Bones. Come on, let's go." Jim replied quickly.

"All right. But the moment, we're in sickbay, I'm checking you out a second time."

"Fine."

Spock was not easy to carry. He was much more heavy than Jim realized he would be. But, Jim was not going to admit it. He had no time to explain to his crew why he was carrying Spock in such a hurry, but he could see the worried glances they gave him and McCoy.

The doors to sickbay finally opened and Jim was glad to find an empty bio-bed. He carefully placed Spock there and awaited McCoy's analysis.

The bio-bed lit up as the readings started to fluctuate. They leveled off moments later, relieving the tension somewhat in the room.

"Is it bad, Bones?" Jim asked worried about his close friend.

"It seems his readings are stabilizing. His blood pressure is in reasonable norms. Well, for him anyway. His heart beat as slowed somewhat. I am going to have to ask M' Benga on this. He is more an expert on Vulcan physiology, that I am Jim. It's good to have a second opinion."

"Can you at least tell, if he's in pain?" Jim's asked worried, not knowing if his friend was suffering.

"He's unconscious, Jim. That's as much as I can say for now. Until, I get M'Benga and my staff on this, we're in the dark. But, the stress indicator does show a decrease. I'm sorry, Jim. I wish I could be more help."

"Where is M'Benga now?"

"I do believe he was first rotation. He took shore leave yesterday morning."

"Contact, him. He needs to be here. I need ans...We need answers, the Enterprise can't function without him."

"I'll get right on it, Jim. Don't worry. We will find out what is wrong with Spock. You have my word."

"Thanks Bones."

"How are you, Jim. I promised to check you out, the moment we arrived?"

"I am fine doctor, Spock is your main patient. He comes first."

McCoy couldn't argue with him and responded with a quick nod.

He left to contact M'Benga. Before leaving he watched as the captain of the Enterprise stood next to his Science Officer. He cared very much for him, that was very apparent. McCoy didn't see though the hand that held that close friend.